One of the most common misconceptions from first-time authors is that they can just edit their own work.

It’s not that hard, right?

Wrong.

Take a look at these 25 common mistakes on Lifehacker.

Finding mistakes like these in books and (worse) on the jacket of the book smack of amateurism. A typo or two won’t kill sales, but they certainly don’t help. Throw in a poor cover and it’s exceptionally unlikely that your book will sell more than a handful of copies.

Finding mistakes in books and on the jacket of the book smack of amateurism.

Brass Tacks

Regardless of how you publish, spend the money on a proper editor and proofreader.